The Phantom's Blooming Rose

The Surprise

Over the years Selene grew into a beautiful young women. Her features were nicely brought together, she had straight long hair that simply would not stay curled no matter how hard she tried. Selene was told often by her father and Madame Giri that she looked like her mother, but her eyes, those were definitely her father's. The same eyes that could turn from threatening to warm and gentle in an instant. Selene had an angelic voice, and Erik had done everything he could to make her a singer at her age, fortunately with the help of Madame Giri, his wish became reality. Selene was the youngest singer in the Opera Populaire. Everyone was aware that the Phantom had returned, and they knew that Selene was his daughter, but they didn't dare tell anyone. No one wanted an accident to happen, just like the last time. That didn't stop gossip though, Selene would often find girls huddled together whispering and and pointing, although she was told not to listen to them.

Selene found herself alone in Eriks layer. She was bored out of her mind so she started looking around, while she was snooping, she came across a folder of music. She had never seen her father work on this music before. Selene was well aware that she was not allowed to look through his music, but being the curious 14 year old she was, she just had to take a peek. Opening the folder very carefully she came across the first sheet of music, she began to sing softly,

"So many times out there
I've watched a happy pair of lovers walking in the night
They had a kind of glow around them
It almost looked like heaven's light

I knew I'd never know that warm and loving glow
Though I might wish with all my might
No face as hideous as my face
Was ever meant for heaven's light"

Selene was horrified, what a terrible song, Selene was always taught that music was meant to uplift people, and make them happy, however here were songs of pure sadness. Selene could not let Erik continue to listen to these songs, he would make himself depressed. Taking a deep breath Selene took the papers and brought them to a desk, clearing the space she put them down and grabbed a bottle of ink. Selene would make sure Erik could not read the songs, she took the ink and poured them all over the papers, making sure she couldn't see any of the notes, then she tore them up. Her hands were black with ink and there was quite a terrible mess. Selene washed her hands in the cool water of the pond, and was about to clean up the mess she had made when her heart nearly stopped. Faintly she could hear her father rowing the pattle in the water. Selene ran to her bed and went under the covers. He slowly rowed in, she heard him step out of the boat, when suddenly all was silent until...
"SELENE!! YOU COME OUT HERE NOW!!"
Flinching Selene slowly came out of the covers and walked to her fuming Father.
"What made you think, that this was acceptable?"
He asked pointing to the terrible mess of papers and ink.
"Papa I-"
Selene began but Erik cut her off.
"Selene, I do not want an excuse. You know better than to even think about touching my music."
Erik pulled out a thick stick.
"Give me your hands."
He said firmly. Selene's heart was pounding in her throat. Slowly she put her hands in front of her. Erik quickly grabbed them and delivered two hard thrashes on her hands, making them instantly red and raw.
Erik then sent her to her room where she cried holding her aching hands close to her.

Erik's heart ached as he heard his angel cry in the other room. He hated that he had to do that, but he was still beyond angry that she had the nerve to destroy his music. Her rehearsal was in an hour, he had to make sure she attended, for there was an announcement that was being held. He slipped the mess of papers into a basket, and began to rewrite some of the pieces he remembered. Selenes cries slowly started to muffle and she had to start getting ready.
"Mon ange, come here my love,"
He could here Selene get up sniffling and walking over to Erik slowly. She reached him he looked down at her, knowing he needed to be firm before kind.
"Selene, you know better than to destroy my work, I spend a lot of time on that. You have no right to destroy what is not yours, do you understand me?" Selene nodded miserably,
"Good girl, come now you have rehearsal."

Emily de Changi sat excitedly, almost bouncing with joy.
"Are we there yet Mother?" Emily asked practically jumping.
Christine De Changi did not respond, she was looking out the window worriedly.
"Christine my love, what is wrong," Raoul asked touching her hand softly.
"Raoul, you are positive that he is dead?" She said fear known in her eyes.
You said your self, he was nothing but a man, yet he is dead now let your worries rest.

I feel the memories there Raoul, his child is dead. If he is still alive he will kill our love and our family! How can I subject Emily to that fate, Raoul I'm frightened... Frightened...

Christine, Christine you know that I am right, that man is dead and he will never hurt you.

"Monsieur De Changi, we have arrived! Welcome to the Opera Populaire!" The coach man said and Emily squealed excitedly. Taking a deep breath Raoul took Christines hand and led her inside to the stage.
Selene was waiting for the new announcement, rubbing her hands tenderly.
"Our leading Prima Donna Selene Vasille, there is a new child accompanying you my dear, come here."
Selene walked towards him, she could feel her father's attention at the mention of a new person.
"Let me introduce you to miss Emily De Changi and her mother who will also sing with Selene. Madame Changi, now she has sang for us before a previous 16 years ago. However you all remember her as
Christine Daae!"